Performer Ezra F. Kendall, often called the "natural eccentric comedian"

Vaudeville Comedians
What do you think of as humorous? A stand-up comedian? A TV commercial? A typical vaudeville show had eight to 14 acts, or "turns," and included a little bit of everything. Magic segments, musical numbers, dance numbers, combination song-and-dance acts, acrobatics, juggling, comic routines, animal acts, celebrity cameos, and appearances by unsavory characters all had their place in a vaudeville (also called "variety") show. Comic monologues by performers, such as Ezra Kendall in the poster you see here, were especially popular. A few performers became well known for their acts.